54 Amazing Benefits Of Parsley (Ajmood) For Skin, Hair And Health

Do you know what it feels like to be under-appreciated? Imagine a plant with many health and beauty benefits, being cast off as just a table garnish.

This underappreciated herb is the very common Parsley. It is a leafy herb that is easily available round the year in almost all the regions. This culinary herb is one of the best disease fighters. Parsley is also referred as ‘Ajmood’ / ‘Ajmooda Ka Patta’ in Hindi, ‘Kothimeera Jati’ in Telugu, ‘Kothamalu Illai’ in Tamil, ‘Seema Malli’ in Malayalam, ‘Achu-Mooda’ in Kannada, ‘Ajmo’ in Gujarati, and ‘Ajmoda’ in Marathi.This has many medicinal properties so it can be directly used as a medicine as well.

Parsley Benefits

Below are the parsley benefits, which should give you a better understanding on this herb.

Skin Benefits Of Parsley

The skin care properties of parsley are not much recognized and are highly under-rated. Some of the benefits of parsley for skin are as follows.

1. Reduces Wrinkles, Fine Lines, And Scars

Since Vitamin C is not naturally present in the body, we need to consume it in sufficient amounts through food. The high amount of Vitamin C in parsley nourishes the skin from within to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. Consuming parsley stimulates the production of collagen in the skin and promotes cell reproduction and repair. This leads to faster growth of new skin which results in blemish-free, even and smooth skin.

2. Improves Healing

Parsley contains beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A for proper maintenance and repairing of skin. Thus eating parsley improves skin’s elasticity, which battles wrinkles and speeds up the wound healing process.

3. Erases Under Eye Dark Circles

Parsley works wonder to erase under eye dark circles. It contains a high amount of Vitamin C, chlorophyll, and Vitamin K, which help to lighten the under eye area and reduce puffiness.

To create parsley under eye pack, chop a handful of parsley roughly and squish it to release its juice.

Mix it with one teaspoon of yogurt and apply it on the under eye region.

Or you can even soak cotton balls in parsley juice and keep it under the eyes for 10 minutes.

4. Antibacterial And Antifungal Properties

The volatile oils, eugenol particularly, present in parsley provides antibacterial and antifungal properties which are useful for treating acne, pimples, skin infection, and disinfecting pores. Parsley oil is easily available in the market. Never apply parsley oil directly to the face as it can burn the skin.

Dilute parsley oil with carrier oil like olive or almond oil and then apply it to the face. Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse off.

A mixture of parsley, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil can also help keep your skin blemish-free.

5. Clear And Glowing Skin

Consuming parsley abundantly helps to balance excess sebum secretion in oily skin. It further helps to clear the pores, which might otherwise lead to acne outbreaks. Zinc in parsley controls skin inflammation and promotes skin regeneration. It also reduces the redness and diminishes acne blemishes.

6. Fights Free Radicals

Parsley contains a high amount of antioxidants, which protect our skin from free radical damage and delays the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

7. Healthy Skin

Parsley contains minerals like calcium, potassium, manganese, copper and zinc which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Extract the juice from the leaves and mix it with 200 ml of water. Drink this concoction daily to get healthy skin.

8. Prevents Acne And Zits

Ladies with combination and oily skin tones can prepare this homemade toner to prevent zits and pimples.

Take some parsley in a bowl and mash it using a spoon or fork. Add two teaspoons of honey to it and mix it thoroughly till the honey turns green.

Apply it on the face and wash it off after 10 minutes.

Follow it up with a moisturizer of your choice.

Both honey and parsley contain antibacterial properties which treat pimples and keep the skin smooth and nourished. Use fresh parsley leaves instead of dried parsley for preparing this pack.

9. Homemade Facial Treatment

You can also use dried parsley as a facial treatment.

Take a spoonful of dried parsley leaves and add it to 200 ml of water.

12. Parsley Toner For Glowing Skin

Take a bundle of parsley leaves and mash it using a fork to extract its juice.

Add distilled boiling water to it and leave it aside to let it cool.

Now add one tablespoon of lemon juice, three drops of tea tree oil, and three drops of rosemary essential oil to it.

You can even store it in the refrigerator.

When required, dip a cotton ball in the toner and apply it to the face in circular motion.

This toner is highly clarifying. It helps to balance the pH level of the skin and kill acne-causing bacteria. It will also treat oily skin and skin inflammation.

13. Soothes Irritated Skin

Rub dried or fresh parsley leaves on irritated skin or insect bites to soothe skin irritation. When dealing with boils, boil parsley leaves in water and apply it on the affected areas for a few hours. It also helps to fade freckles and spots. Application of parsley seed oil can help to heal bruises.

Hair Benefits Of Parsley

14. Controls Hair Loss

Parsley is rich in other important nutrients which address a number of nutritional deficiencies that lead to hair loss or weak hair. Parsley has been traditionally used as a hair tonic to disinfect scalp and control hair loss. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant flavonoid which controls hair fall through the regulation of TGF-beta1 gene.

Puree a handful of parsley spring and add 100 ml of water to it.

Apply this tonic on wet scalp, wrap your hair in a towel and allow it to sit for an hour.

Then wash it off with shampoo.

15. Maintains Natural Hair Color

Parsley contains a high amount of copper, which helps to retain hair’s natural color. It can be applied topically or can be taken in large amounts in your diet.

23. Boosts Immune System

24. Heart Health

Homocysteine, an amino acid present in the body, is dangerous to blood vessels. This is made harmless by Folate or Vitamin B9 present in Parsley keeping you safe from cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, etc.

25. Bone Health

The RDA of Vitamin K in Parsley helps in synthesizing Osteocalcin, which gives strength to bones. At the same time, it prevents calcium build up in the tissues keeping you safe from atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and heart strokes.

26. Antioxidants

Parsley is rich in antioxidants. It contains luteolin, a flavonoid that fights against free radicals and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

27. Anemia

Parsley is rich in chlorophyll that works as a blood purifier. The high content of Vitamin C in parsley juice increases the rate of absorption of iron. Drinking parsley juice regularly increases the hemoglobin count in the body to cure anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin levels in the body dips to a low level, which could be due to poor diet or medication. Parsley juice helps to cure this condition by improving the hemoglobin levels of the blood.

28. Antibacterial Properties

These properties of parsley help fight any bacterial infection.

29. Supports Glands

It supports all the glands in our body like liver, spleen, etc. to release the enzymes properly.

36. Edema

Edema may be caused by a pressure variation in the blood vessels. Consumption of parsley improves the blood vessel strength, and thus can help combat this disease.

37. Gallstones

Gallstones can be dissolved with parsley consumption.

38. Supports Hormones

Parsley balances hormonal release, improves estrogen and restores the blood in the uterus.

39. Kidneys

It improves kidneys activity and cures its problems. It helps in elimination of wastes from the tissues and blood curing painful urination problems as well. This is one of the best parsley benefits for kidney.

40. Liver Congestion

41. Menstrual Problems

Apiole oil in this juice helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and correct the menstrual disorders. Parsley also helps to control premenstrual symptoms like abdominal swelling, pain, and nausea. Drinking this juice every day in the week leading up to menses ensures a problem-free menstrual cycle.

42. Night Blindness

Vitamin A in parsley improves vision.

43. Spleen Strength

The parsley’s root gives strength to the spleen, and so prevents malabsorption.

44. Stomach Problems

Cures various stomach problems like pain, infection, etc.

45. Teeth

Parsley is a rich source of Vitamin C. It strengthens your teeth.

46. Eases Pregnancy

Since it is an uterine tonic, it helps in making delivery easier by relieving pain to a certain extent.

47. Bad Breath

Parsley is one of the recommended remedies for halitosis as it helps to cure bad breath effectively. This juice helps to cleanse the colon which is often the cause of bad breath. Bacteria build-up in the colon leads to halitosis. Drinking this juice regularly keeps the colon clean, preventing malodor in the mouth.

48. Prevents Other Diseases

It can also keep you away from rheumatism, jaundice, gout and bad breath.

Considering all the benefits it provides, it would be a mistake not to include parsley in the daily diet.

49. Heal Wounds Rapidly

Parsley is an excellent source of histidine, an essential amino acid required for the growth and repair of body tissues. This juice helps to heal wounds quickly and is especially beneficial to individuals who have just undergone surgeries or are recovering from a large wound.

50. Kidney Problems

The healing compounds in parsley, myristicin and apiole improve urine flow in the body and kill bacteria that cause infections in the urinary tract. Parsley juice works as a diuretic agent that helps prevent kidney stones and other urinary tract conditions. Parsley is also a natural detoxifying agent that cleanses the system of any toxins.

51. A Natural Diuretic

Since ancient times, parsley has been used for its potent diuretic effect (1). The diuretic action triggered by parsley is mostly owing to its ingredients that block the reabsorption of potassium and sodium. This helps users in coping with ailments related to organs like kidneys and liver. It helps eliminate waste from such organs better.

52. Benefit Of Flavonoids

Parsley leaves are imbued with several flavonoids. These are pigments with properties that benefit the human body. One of such flavonoids named apigenin can thwart breast cancer cells from growing, as was revealed in a 2008 study (2).

53. Source Of Vitamin K

Parsley leaves contain Vitamin K, a vitamin that promotes absorption of minerals required for bone health (3). When you heat up parsley leaves, the effect of Vitamin K is intensified.

54. Aphrodisiac

Parsley oil can also be used as an aphrodisiac. If you lack that erstwhile romantic charm, parsley oil is a good organic solution. The regular massage and consumption will help you feel the difference sooner than you think. Also, you can also recommend parsley oil to those who want to reduce cellulite from their body. It will make your skin look tight.

Selection And Storage

Selection

Both fresh and dried parsleys are available throughout the year in all supermarkets. Choose fresh parsley over dried ones as fresh parsleys are superior in flavor and aroma. Choose parsley that is dark green, has firm stems, and looks fresh and crisp. Organically grown parsleys are the best as they are not irradiated and are free from harmful pesticides and insecticides residue. Avoid buying parsley with wilted or yellow leaves, mold, and dark spots.

Storage

It is very important to store parsley properly. Otherwise, the herb can become slippery and wilted. Do not store parsley under direct sunlight as it can dry its leaves. Wash the leaves under running water thoroughly, to remove pesticides residue, dirt and yellow leave. Repeat the washing process again and then shake excess water off the leaves. Lay it on a kitchen towel and gently dab it to remove remaining water. Place the leaves in a ziplock or plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. This will keep the leaves crisp and will easily last for 10 days. Whenever you require it, just open the bundle, take out the parsley you need and then re-wrap it and keep it in the refrigerator.

You can also keep it immersed in water in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for a longer period. All you need to do is cut off the small section of the parsley stem. Take a glass of water and place the leaves into the water with the leaves standing upwards. Do not wash the parsley leaves before immersing it in the water. Replace the water every 2 to 3 days to prevent bacterial growth.

Wash the parsley thoroughly before using it every time. Place it in water for a while to allow the sand and dirt to dislodge. Remove the leaves from the bowl and then wash it with clean water. Parsley can be stored for around two weeks in the refrigerator.

Usage

Parsley is commonly used in soup, salads, savory and baked dishes to add flavor and aroma. It can add color and flavor even to the most ordinary and basic dishes. Parsley is an essential component in French cuisine as it is extensively used to prepare soup, stew and stock. It is also used as a garnish in Middle Eastern cuisine like hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh. It is a staple in Italian cuisine and is used in the preparation of pizzas, pasta, and lasagna. Parsley leaves are also added to homemade spaghetti and salsa sauce. It makes the food look more appealing and appetizing and brings out the flavor of fresh vegetables.

Flat leaf parsley is mainly used for garnishing purpose as they have a stronger aroma, while curled parsley is used for adding flavor to soups and stews as they blend easily with any type of soup. Curly parsleys are also added to salads and sandwiches because of their crunchy texture. Discard the stems and finely chop the leaves before adding it to your dish. Parsley should be added towards the end of cooking process to retain its taste, color, and nutritional value. It is one of the only herbs that taste worse when cooked.

A Word Of Caution

Since this plant is very high in oxalic acid, prolonged consumption of it can cause gouty arthritis, kidney stones, and mineral-nutrient deficiency. It also contains furanocoumarins and psoralens, which may lead to extreme photosensitivity.

Even though overconsumption of parsley can cause some side effects, its benefits outweigh the side effects and deserve to be everyman’s dietary staple. It is also the quickest way to sneak some nutrition into the meal of children who refuse to eat veggies. Add parsley to the kid’s favorite pasta, pizza, cutlet or samosa, and they won’t even notice its presence. So, Parsley is essentially an all rounded herb that deserves to be consumed.

Nutritional Chart Of Parsley:

Now let us have a look at the nutritional contents of parsley.

Principle

Nutrient Value

Percentage of RDA

Energy

36 Kcal

1.5%

Carbohydrates

6.33 g

5%

Protein

2.97 g

5%

Total Fat

0.8 g

3%

Cholesterol

0 mg

0%

Dietary Fiber

3.3 g

8.5%

Vitamins

Folates

152 µg

38%

Niacin

1.313 mg

8%

Pantothenic acid

0.400 mg

8%

Pyridoxine

0.090 mg

7%

Riboflavin

0.098 mg

7.5%

Thiamin

0.086 mg

7%

Vitamin A

8424 IU

281%

Vitamin C

133 mg

220%

Vitamin E

0.75 mg

5%

Vitamin K

1640 µg

1366%

Electrolytes

Sodium

56 mg

4%

Potassium

554 mg

12%

Minerals

Calcium

138 mg

14%

Copper

0.149 mg

16.5%

Iron

6.20 mg

77.5%

Magnesium

50 mg

12.5%

Manganese

0.160 mg

7%

Phosphorus

58 mg

8%

Zinc

1.07 mg

10%

Phyto-nutrients

Carotene-ß

5054 µg

—

Crypto-xanthin-ß

0 µg

—

Lutein-zeaxanthin

5561 µg

—

What are the ways you like to incorporate parsley in your or your kid’s diet? Are there any other benefits you know from personal experience? Drop us a line and let us know!